Greater New Orleans

New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Khairi Fortt (54) works on an interception drill during Saints training camp at the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia on Friday, August 1, 2014. (Michael DeMocker, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune)
(Michael DeMocker)

The uncertain injury status of linebackers Victor Butler and Khairi Fortt, safety Marcus Ball and fullback Erik Lorig could have a significant impact on how the New Orleans Saints decide to fill out their 53-man roster.

The four players were among 10 on the active roster who missed all or part of Saturday's third preseason game at Indianapolis.

Rookie receiver Brandin Cooks missed the game after sitting out two practices with a stomach flu. Receiver Kenny Stills re-aggravated a lingering quadriceps injury, an ailment that might be nagging but is unlikely to impact his roster status.

But other injuries could be more serious. Saints coach Sean Payton has said the team is preparing to start the season with Austin Johnson or Greg Jones as the starting fullback. That makes it appear likely that Lorig will start the season on the injured reserve, perhaps with a designation to return later in the year.

Even less is known about the status of Butler, Fortt and Ball.

Butler has been absent for so long that it's hard to imagine him making the 53-man roster. Fortt left last week's preseason game with an injury and has not participated since. Both Butler and Fortt are linebackers, a crowded position facing difficult cuts.

Ball had been healthy all camp and was considered a top candidate for the final safety spot on the roster, but he was not present for practice on Thursday or the game on Saturday. Payton confirmed his absence but did not say whether it was for a medical reason.

Saints injury log, Aug. 24, 2014

Name

Pos.

GAME2

17th

18th

19th

20th

21st

GAME3

INJURY

Brandin Cooks

WR

MIA

MIA

MIA

LTD

OUT

stomach flu

Andy Tanner

WR

OUT

OUT

MIA

MIA

MIA

undisclosed

A.J. Davis

CB

IR

IR

IR

IR

IR

IR

IR

undisclosed

Trevin Wade

CB

MIA

undisclosed

Marcus Ball

S

MIA

MIA

undisclosed

Rod Sweeting

CB

OUT

OUT

OUT

MIA

MIA

OUT

MIA

undisclosed

Erik Lorig

FB

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

undisclosed

Ty Zimmerman

S

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

undisclosed

Khairi Fortt

ILB

LTD

OUT

OUT

OUT

MIA

MIA

MIA

leg/foot

Ty Nsekhe

OT

OUT

MIA

MIA

MIA

MIA

undisclosed

Kenny Stills

WR

OUT

LTD

LTD

quadriceps

Victor Butler

OLB

MIA

OUT

OUT

MIA

MIA

OUT

MIA

undisclosed

Source: Unofficial reporter observations at practice. Key: OUT means player did not participate in practice; LTD means the player participated in only a portion of practice or was limited from full participation. MIA means the player was absent from the practice entirely. Players on the injured reserve are in red. Full details here: http://bit.ly/saintsinjurylog

Although the deadline to cut the roster down to 75 is Tuesday afternoon, the Saints could make the cuts earlier. The team practices on Monday afternoon, so players could be notified Monday morning or even Sunday afternoon of the team's plans.

Some players like reserve defensive back Ty Zimmerman and reserve offensive lineman Ty Nsekhe are almost certain to be among the players waived. They would likely be placed on injured reserve or given an injury settlement if, as expected, they passed through waivers unclaimed.

NFL preseason calendar

Date

Event

August 26, 2014

Rosters reduced to 75 by 3 p.m. CT

August 28, 2014

Saints vs. Ravens, final preseason game

August 30, 2014

Rosters reduced to 53 by 3 p.m. CT

August 31, 2014

Claiming period for waived players expires at 11 a.m. CT

After waiver period ends, teams can establish 10-player practice squad

September 3, 2014

Teams must fit under salary cap by 3 p.m. CT as Top 51 rule expires at 11 p.m. CT